Cafe Has Fresh Way With Food Baron's Gives Leesburg A Taste Of Fine Cuisine

May 2, 1986|By Jan Walker

They say good things come in small packages and that's especially true of Baron's Cafe, 708 S. 14th St., Leesburg.

Owner Baron Fischer doesn't mind starting small. That's the way he planned it. Introducing his own brand of continental cuisine little by little is Fischer's way of building a solid clientele in Lake County. And though Baron's Cafe has been open for only six weeks, Fischer is already on the way to achieving that goal.

''This is a little different for the Leesburg area,'' said Fischer, whose menu is a healthful and appealing departure for local diners. ''I don't believe in fried foods.'' All entrees are prepared to order from fresh, never frozen, ingredients.

The varied breakfast menu includes fresh fruits, croissants, cinnamon rolls, blueberry muffins and oatmeal. An assortment of pancakes and french toast is offered, such as buttermilk ($2) or blueberry ($2.50) pancakes; pigs- in-a-blanket ($2.75); and banana walnut french toast with whipped cream ($3.25).

Also available are omelettes (plain, cheese, meat and cheese, Western and omelette du jour, $2.25 to $4); Canadian bacon or pork chop and eggs ($3.50); Eggs Benedict ($4.50); and Eggs Florentine ($3.75).

The house specialty is stir-fried vegetables and Baron's prepares the crisp, fresh, lightly sauteed vegetables with either chicken ($4) or beef ($4.50). Other dinner entrees include Country Chicken Cordon Bleu ($5.50); Cajun red beans and rice with smoked sausage ($3.50); Yankee pot roast ($4.50); sirloin strip steak with herb butter, or steak teriyaki ($5.75); and herbed, center-cut pork chops ($4.75). All entrees are served with potato or rice, vegetable, house salad and dinner rolls.

Baron's also serves an assortment of sandwiches and burgers, which include a choice of coleslaw, cottage cheese, cranberry sauce, applesauce or Cajun beans ($2.25 to $4.25)

Desserts are a must. In addition to freshly baked pies and cakes, there are chocolate eclairs, strawberry shortcake, hot fudge brownie a la mode, strawberry cheesecake, root beer float, banana split and an incredible bread pudding made with bananas, raisins, spices and walnuts, served warm in a crock and topped with whipped cream.

Fischer brought his culinary talents to Leesburg from Key West, where he managed a restaurant. He said he plans to expand the cafe as his business grows and hopes to add a garden dining area outside.

Baron's Cafe is open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. During the summer months, the cafe closes at 2 p.m. on weekends.